As people age, health issues are bound to arise. However, that doesn’t mean your parents can’t overcome whatever health issues they may face. On the contrary, you can help your parents overcome their health issues, reduce the risk of developing others and live an active, healthy lifestyle. To do all this, you need to help them implement healthy activities in their lives sooner rather than later. Continue reading for tips to help seniors age better.
Balanced, Nutritious Diet
A healthy, whole-foods diet will give plenty of vitamins and minerals, which will help with:
- More energy
- Better sleep
- Fighting infections
- Reducing the risk of injury from falls and some chronic illnesses
A healthy diet doesn’t mean that your parents can’t indulge in their favorite snacks every once in a while. Moderation is key.
Exercise Daily
Working out is essential for older adults because it will keep them fit and strong and help reduce the risk of falls and injury from falls. Some exercises can also improve flexibility and range of motion, crucial to staying active and stable. Exercise can even promote brain health.
Stay Connected
Seniors can easily feel like they’ve been forgotten and slip into depression. Be sure to reach out to your parents and other elderly loved ones frequently, which will benefit them greatly, both physically and emotionally.
Encourage Learning
Learning is a challenging activity, which makes it imperative for brain health. It can also be fun and can allow seniors to have some social activities in their lives. Some things you can encourage your parents to try learning are:
- Dancing
- Painting or some other form of creative activity
- Playing an instrument
- Speaking another language
There are so many possibilities when it comes to learning. Help your parents find what’s interesting and exciting for them and encourage them to pursue it.
Mental Exercises
Mental fitness is every bit as important as physical fitness and is especially true when someone gets older. Learning new skills can keep someone’s brain young, as can some brain games and exercises. Many puzzles can help with this as well.
Drink Water
If your parents seem constantly depleted of energy, dehydration may be the cause. Senior must always stay hydrated because it will provide them with energy while reducing the risk of UTIs.
Reduce Stress
Stress can be detrimental to a senior’s overall health. Mindfulness and meditation can be a great way to reduce stress, which will keep your parent’s heart-healthy. Ten minutes a day is all that’s needed.
Enough Sleep
Poor sleep habits usually lead to a lowered immune response and can spell bad news for seniors. Be sure your loved ones are getting plenty of sleep each night. If necessary, speak to their doctor about a potential sleep study.
Go Outside Daily
Fresh air and sunshine can help people remain positive while also receiving a healthy Vitamin D dose, an essential vitamin for overall health.
Medication Management
Managing medication can be difficult, and it can be essential to receive the help of a family member or home care aide. Proper management of medication can prevent your loved ones from ending up in the hospital due to medication mix-ups or taking the wrong dose.
Adult Daycare
Regardless of your parents’ age, taking steps right now will help them in the long run. Sometimes our schedules are too busy to help our parents with all the little things they might need help. This is where an adult daycare comes into play. You can rest assured knowing that your parents are well cared for while you’re at work or doing your daily errands.
At an adult daycare, your parents will receive the proper care, nutritious meals, activities, exercises, and socialization. All these things are imperative to overall health. Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers provides an organized program of adult and senior care services during the day in a group setting. Contact us today to find out the wide range of services we provide.
